FR3140103A1 - Foldable cantilevered work structure comprising a member for blocking a guardrail in the locked position and associated method - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable cantilevered work structure comprising a circulation platform (2), at least one guardrail (3) and at least one blocking member (5) comprising, at its lower end, a locking finger (51) having a radial reference length defined relative to the blocking axis (Zb), a housing (6) comprising a peripheral wall extending along the blocking axis (Zb), the peripheral wall having a section defining at least one first distance less than the radial reference length for a first angular position, at least a second distance greater than the radial reference length for a second angular position, the peripheral wall comprising a locking slot (7) formed at least at the first angular position so as to receive the locking finger (51) and prevent its removal by vertical translation. Abstract Figure: Figure 5

Description

Foldable cantilevered work structure comprising a member for blocking a guardrail in the locked position and associated method

The present invention relates to the field of building and, more particularly, to a foldable cantilevered work structure configured to support a vertical formwork panel.

In reference to the , a foldable cantilevered work structure 101, hereinafter "structure", is configured to be mounted on a construction wall of a building such as a building using fixing clips mounted in the wall of construction. We know for example such a foldable cantilevered work structure from patent FR2906286 from the company SATECO.

On this , the structure 101 is defined in a reference frame (X, Y, Z) in which the first axis Z axis extends from bottom to top. The structure 101 comprises a circulation platform 102 extending horizontally and comprising a frame on which a floor rests. In this example, the circulation plate 102 has a rectangular shape and extends along its length along the first axis extend close to said construction wall, a rear edge and two side edges (not shown).

In known manner, the structure 101 further comprises members for fixing to the construction wall (not referenced). When in use, the structure 101 can extend several meters in height to form high construction walls. In order to prevent the fall of operators traveling on the circulation platform 102, the structure 101 conventionally comprises at least one rear protective canopy 104 to protect the rear edge and guardrails 103 to protect the side edges of the circulation platform 102.

In this example, each guardrail 103 is mounted in an articulated manner on the rear protective canopy 104 and comprises a blocking member 105 configured to lock the position of the guardrail 103 relative to the circulation plate 102 in order to prevent any fall of an operator.

In practice, the circulation plate 102 comprises a housing 106 configured to cooperate with a lower end of the blocking member 105. The blocking member 105 is mounted movable in translation in a vertical direction relative to the guardrail 103 between a low position in which the blocking member 105 extends in a housing 106 of the circulation plate 102 and a high position in which the blocking member 105 is located outside the housing 106.

As illustrated in , the blocking member 105 comprises a longitudinal body 150 comprising, at a lower end, a beveled portion 107 for penetrating into the housing 106 ( ) and, at an upper end, a control lever 108 to vertically move the beveled portion 107. Thus, the locking member 105 makes it possible to achieve locking by manual pinning.

Such locking is simple to implement for an operator. However, there is a risk that the locking member 105 unlocks accidentally following human error or following a shock applied to the structure 101 (for example, when setting up the structure on the facade or when of contact with the structure by a load moved by a crane).

An immediate solution to eliminate this inconvenience would be to add an additional means of security to be put in place by the operator. In practice, such an additional means, of an optional nature, is likely to be omitted by operators, which does not concretely improve security.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to propose a foldable cantilevered work structure which eliminates at least some of these drawbacks.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a foldable cantilevered work structure intended to be mounted on a vertical construction wall and to support a formwork panel, the structure comprising a circulation platform, extending in a horizontal plane and at least one guard. movable body relative to the circulation plate, the structure comprising at least one blocking member comprising a longitudinal body mounted movable in translation along a blocking axis relative to the guardrail between a low position in which the blocking member is extends into a housing of the circulation plate and a high position in which the blocking member is located outside the housing.

• L’organe de blocage comporte, à son extrémité inférieure, un doigt de verrouillage ayant une longueur radiale de référence définie par rapport à l’axe de blocage,
• Le logement comporte une paroi périphérique s’étendant selon l’axe de blocage, la paroi périphérique ayant une section transversale dont la distance par rapport à l’axe de blocage est variable angulairement autour dudit axe de blocage,
• au moins une première distance étant inférieure à la longueur radiale de référence pour une première position angulaire,
• au moins une deuxième distance étant supérieure à la longueur radiale de référence pour une deuxième position angulaire,
• la paroi périphérique comprenant une ouverture supérieure et au moins une lumière de verrouillage écartée de l’ouverture supérieure par une portion périphérique pleine, la lumière de verrouillage étant formée dans une paroi périphérique au moins à la première position angulaire de manière à recevoir le doigt de verrouillage et interdire son retrait par translation verticale.

The structure is remarkable in that:

• The locking member comprises, at its lower end, a locking finger having a reference radial length defined relative to the locking axis,
• The housing comprises a peripheral wall extending along the blocking axis, the peripheral wall having a cross section whose distance relative to the blocking axis is angularly variable around said blocking axis,
• at least a first distance being less than the reference radial length for a first angular position,
• at least a second distance being greater than the reference radial length for a second angular position,
• the peripheral wall comprising an upper opening and at least one locking slot spaced from the upper opening by a solid peripheral portion, the locking slot being formed in a peripheral wall at least at the first angular position so as to receive the finger of locking and preventing its removal by vertical translation.

Thanks to the invention, the locking finger can only enter the housing when it is oriented according to the second angular position. Thus, direct pinout is prohibited to allow the operator to carry out particular kinematics to achieve blocking with locking. The presence of a locking light makes it possible to lock in vertical translation. Accidental unlocking of the guardrail is thus avoided in the event of an impact applied to the structure during its use.

According to one aspect, the peripheral wall of the housing comprising a rectangular section defining four flat faces and four corners, the blocking axis passing through the center of the rectangle, the first distance corresponds to the orthogonal distance between the blocking axis and a flat face , the second distance corresponds to the distance between the blocking axis and a corner of the rectangle. Advantageously, we take advantage of the shape of a metal profile to determine efficient locking kinematics. Housing is thus simple to create. According to one aspect, the peripheral wall of the housing has a square section.

In one aspect, the locking light extends at least between a point on the peripheral wall located at the second distance to a point on the peripheral wall located at the first distance. In one aspect, the locking light has a T shape. A symmetrical shape makes it possible to lock in various configurations.

According to one aspect, the guardrail comprises a guide in which the blocking member is movably mounted, the blocking member comprising a control lever allowing its movement and orientation, the guide comprising a guide light from which the lever order is accessible.

The presence of a guide light allows an operator to visualize the kinematics to be carried out to guide the locking finger in the housing, which makes it easier to achieve locking.

According to one aspect, the guide light has, at its lower end, a shape similar to that of the locking light. This allows for stable locking. Preferably, each light has a lower portion having the shape of a vertical notch.

According to one aspect, the circulation plate comprises a plurality of similar housings for receiving the blocking member. This makes it possible to create locks for different widths of the circulation platform.

According to one aspect, the locking finger comprises a kinematics comprising at least a first angular rotation, a vertical translation and a second angular rotation in a direction opposite to the first angular rotation.

• Déplacer verticalement le doigt de verrouillage dans le logement jusqu’à la lumière de verrouillage, et
• Orienter le doigt de verrouillage selon la première position angulaire dans la lumière de verrouillage de manière à interdire son retrait par translation verticale.

The invention also relates to a method of locking a guardrail of a structure as presented previously, the locking finger being oriented according to the second angular position, the method comprising steps consisting of:

• Move the locking finger vertically into the housing until the locking light is reached, and
• Orient the locking finger according to the first angular position in the locking slot so as to prevent its removal by vertical translation.

Advantageously, the combination of these two steps allows broaching and locking during a single movement, which is advantageous.

Preferably, the locking finger being oriented according to the first angular position, the method comprises a preliminary step consisting of orienting the locking finger according to the second angular position in order to allow the vertical movement to be carried out. Thus, direct pinout is prohibited to allow the operator to carry out particular kinematics to achieve blocking with locking.

PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects .

There is a schematic representation of a foldable cantilevered work structure with a guardrail blocking member according to the prior art.

There is a close schematic representation of the blocking member in the extended position.

There is a schematic representation of a folding work structure in cantilever with a blocking member of a guardrail according to one embodiment of the invention.

There is a close-up schematic representation of the guardrail of the .

There is a transparent representation of the guardrail in which the blocking member is mounted.

There is a schematic representation of the upper end of the blocking member.

There is a schematic representation of the lower end of the blocking member and its housing.

There , there and the are schematic representations of several angular orientations of the locking finger at different heights in the housing.

There and the are schematic representations of the implementation of a method of blocking a guardrail according to one embodiment of the invention.

It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures being able of course to be used to better define the invention if necessary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In reference to the , there is shown a foldable cantilevered working structure 1 intended to be mounted on a vertical construction wall and to support a formwork panel.

Structure 1 is defined in a frame (X, Y, Z) in which the first axis X extends from back to front, the second axis Y extends from left to right and the third axis Z extends from bottom to top.

The structure 1 comprises a circulation platform 2, extending in a horizontal plane (X, Y), on which operators can circulate. The circulation platform 2 can also support high mass formwork panels.

In reference to the , the structure 1 further comprises fixing members to the construction wall. Conventionally, the fixing members comprise two articulated uprights 11 and two foldable arms 12, connecting the circulation plate 2 and the articulated upright 11. Such fixing members are known to those skilled in the art and will not be presented further in detail. When in use, the structure 1 can extend several meters in height to form high construction walls.

In this example, the circulation plate 2 has a four-sided polygonal shape with a front edge (working edge), a rear edge and two side edges. The rear edge is protected by a rear protective canopy 4 while the side edges are respectively protected by guardrails 3. In this example, the circulation platform 2 has a rectangular shape but it goes without saying that a shape of parallelogram or trapezoid could be suitable depending on the shape of the building to be created and the space constraints.

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the structure 1 includes two guardrails 3 to provide lateral protection. In this example, the guardrails 3 are similar. Also, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, only guardrail 3 located at the left end will now be presented.

According to one aspect of the invention, each guardrail 3 is adjustable in length in order to adapt to the width of the circulation platform 2 which is defined along the first axis bulkiness of the guardrail 3 when storing the structure 1. In this example, the guardrail 3 has a telescopic structure as illustrated in .

Each guardrail 3 is movable relative to the circulation plate 2. According to one aspect of the invention, each guardrail 3 is movable in rotation around a vertical folding axis Zp enters the storage position (not shown) , in which the guardrail 3 is pressed against the rear protective canopy 4 along the second axis Y, and a position of use ( ), in which the guardrail 3 is aligned with the first axis X.

Each guardrail 3 must be locked in the use position so as to prevent the guardrail 3 from moving when an operator leans on the guardrail 3 in order to prevent any fall. As illustrated in , the guardrail 3 comprises several vertical posts connected by horizontal elements. In this example, the posts of the guardrail 3 are connected by upper rails 31, intermediate rails 32 and lower plinths 33. It goes without saying that this could be different.

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the structure 1 comprises a blocking member 5 associated with each guardrail 3 to enable its locking.

In reference to the , each blocking member 5 comprises a longitudinal body 50 which is mounted movable in translation along a vertical blocking axis Zb relative to the guardrail 3 between a low position in which the blocking member 5 extends in a housing 6 of the circulation plate 2 and a high position in which the blocking member 5 is located outside the housing 6. The housing 6 will be presented subsequently.

In this example, the blocking member 5 is mounted in a vertical post of the guardrail 3, in particular, in the front vertical post, which fulfills a guide function 30. In other words, the guardrail 3 is locked to its free end which is opposite its articulated end to limit any overhang. It nevertheless goes without saying that the blocking member 5 could be mounted in a different position from the guardrail 3. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, the front vertical post of the guardrail 3 will hereinafter be designated "guide 30 ".

With reference to Figures 5 and 7, the locking member 5 comprises, at its lower end, a locking finger 51 having a reference radial length D0 ( ) defined in relation to the vertical blocking axis Zb. Preferably, the reference radial length D0 is between 20mm and 50mm. According to one aspect, the locking finger 51 is secured to the longitudinal body 50.

In reference to the , the locking member 5 comprises, at its upper end, a control lever 52 configured to be manipulated by an operator in order to adjust the vertical position as well as the angular position of the locking finger 51 relative to the vertical axis of Zb blocking. According to one aspect, the control lever 52 is secured to the longitudinal body 50.

As mentioned previously, the circulation plate 2 includes at least one housing 6 to receive the blocking member 5 in the low position.

In this example, with reference to the , each lateral edge of the circulation plate 2 comprises a plurality of housings 6, in particular, at different positions along the first axis formed in metal beams 20 belonging to the chassis of the circulation plate 2. Preferably, the metal beam 20 comprises a number of housings 6 between 1 and 10.

In reference to the , the housing 6 comprises a peripheral wall 60 extending along the vertical blocking axis Zb. In this example, the peripheral wall 60 is preferably cylindrical and has a constant cross section. The peripheral wall 60 has a cross section whose distance relative to the blocking axis Zb is angularly variable around said vertical blocking axis Zb. Subsequently, we define an angular position θ relative to the axis X0 which forms the reference.

As illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, at least a first distance D1 is less than the reference radial length D0 for a first angular position θ1 and at least a second distance D2 is greater than the reference radial length D0 for a second angular position θ2.

In reference to the , the peripheral wall 60 comprises an upper opening 61 and at least one locking slot 7 spaced from the upper opening 61 by a solid peripheral portion 62. The locking slot 7 is formed in the peripheral wall 60 at least in the first position angular θ1 so as to receive the locking finger 51 and prevent its removal by vertical translation.

In this example, housing 6 is formed by a metal profile. Housing 6 has a square section but it goes without saying that a rectangular section could also be suitable. With reference to Figures 8 to 10, the peripheral wall 60 has four orthogonal planar faces connected by four corners. The vertical blocking axis Zb passes through the center of the square and is substantially at equal orthogonal distance from each plane face, this distance corresponds to the first distance D1 within the meaning of the invention, that is to say, half of the length of the square. Preferably, the first distance D1 is between 20mm and 40mm.

The distance between the vertical blocking axis Zb and a corner corresponds to the second distance D2 within the meaning of the invention, that is to say, to the half-diagonal of the square. This second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1. Preferably, the second distance D2 is between 21mm and 55mm.

As illustrated in , the housing 6 includes a locking slot 7 for receiving the locking finger 51. In this example, the locking slot 7 has an upper horizontal portion 71 at a vertical height Hb and a lower vertical portion 72 at a vertical height Hc.

The upper horizontal portion 71 preferably extends from a corner to the center of a flat face. The lower vertical portion 72 extends vertically from the center of a flat face so as to prevent any angular orientation of the locking finger 51. In this example, the lower vertical portion 72 has a shape complementary to that of the locking finger 5 .

The light 7 comprises at least one L shape inclined at 90° and preferably a T shape ( ) to ensure symmetry.

Preferably, at the same vertical position, the housing 6 includes several locking slots 7, preferably one on each face. This makes it possible to produce profiles which can be mounted in any orientation in a metal beam 20, which facilitates the assembly of the chassis of the circulation plate 2.

In order to allow the operator to guide the locking finger 51 in the housing 6 to the lower portion 72 of the locking light 7 without direct visual control, the guide 30 comprises a guide light 8 from which the locking lever command 52 is accessible. The guide light 8 makes it possible to guide the movement of the control lever 52 so that an operator optimally locks the locking member 5.

In reference to the , the guide light 8 has an upper portion 81, an intermediate portion 82 and a lower portion 83. The upper portions 81 and lower 83 are vertical and have a narrow width so as to receive the control lever 52 without angular play, for example cooperation of forms. Conversely, the intermediate portion 82 has a significant width to allow the angular position of the control lever 52 to be modified relative to the vertical locking axis Zb. In addition, the intermediate portion 82 has a significant vertical height so as to allow significant vertical travel of the control lever 52 (and therefore of the locking finger 51) when the blocking member 5 is moved from its high position to its low position as will be presented later. Preferably, the intermediate portion 82 allows an angular stroke of between 30 and 60° and a vertical stroke of between 50 and 150mm.

Prior to the installation of a structure 1 on the facade of a building, the circulation platform 2 must be secured. For this purpose, the rear protective awning 4 is unfolded then the guardrails 3 are unfolded then adjusted in length to adapt to the width of each side edge of the traffic platform 2.

In reference to the , according to an initial step E1, the control lever 52 is housed in the upper portion 81 of the guide light 8 of the guide 30. In this example, the control lever 52 is held in this position thanks to a retaining member 34 , having the shape of a hook, which connects the control lever 52 to the intermediate rail 32 of the guardrail 3. This prevents the control lever 52 from descending under the effect of gravity. It goes without saying that the retaining member 34 could be in various forms. In this position, the blocking member 5 is in the high position in the guide 30. Still with reference to the , the locking finger 51 is retracted into the guide 30. In this example, the guide 30 has, at its lower end, a vertical notch 35 to receive the locking finger 51 when the control lever 52 is housed in the vertical portion upper 81 of the guide light 8. The lever 52 and the locking finger 51 are oriented according to the first angular position θ1.

In reference to the , the retaining member 34 is moved (step E1) to release the control lever 52 which moves from the upper portion 81 to the intermediate portion 82 of the guide light 8 (step E2). At the same time, the locking finger 51 moves out of the vertical notch 35 of the guide 30. Following this step, the locking finger 51 is always oriented according to the first angular position θ1. The locking finger 51 cannot be introduced via the upper opening 61 into the housing 6 since it would abut with the solid portion 62 of the peripheral surface 60 at the vertical height Ha ( ). This indicates to an operator that a locking operation is necessary and that simple vertical pinout is not sufficient, thereby increasing safety.

Then, during a third step E3 represented in , the lever 52 is oriented angularly in the intermediate portion 82 of the guide light 8 until it comes into abutment with the lateral edge so as to angularly orient the locking finger 51 according to the second angular position θ2. The locking finger 51 is then oriented diagonally as illustrated in at the vertical height Ha. In this second angular position θ2, the locking finger 51 does not abut with the upper portion 62 of the peripheral surface 6 as illustrated in . In fact, the second distance D2 is greater than the reference distance D0.

Referring now to the , during a fourth step E4, the control lever 52 is lowered vertically into the intermediate portion 82 of the guide light 8 in the first angular position θ1 until it comes into abutment with the lower edge. Analogously, the locking finger 51, oriented along the diagonal of the housing 6, descends into the housing 6 to be located at the vertical height Hb of the upper portion 71 of the locking slot 7. As illustrated in , at the vertical height Hb, the upper portion 71 of the locking light 7 extends over an entire flat face, which allows the orientation of the locking finger 51.

During a fifth step E5 represented in , the control lever 52 is angularly oriented in the intermediate portion 82 of the guide light 8 so as to angularly orient the locking finger 51 according to the first angular position θ1. The locking finger 51 is then positioned in the center of the upper portion 71 of the locking slot 7. It should be noted that such angular orientation was not possible at a higher height given that the solid peripheral portion 62 is free from light and prohibits any rotation of the locking finger 51.

In reference to the , during a sixth step E6, the locking finger 51 is moved vertically to the height Hc in the lower portion 72 of the locking slot 7 (see also ) by moving the control lever 52 in the lower portion 83 of the guide light 8. In this position, the blocking member 5 is optimally locked given that any angular rotation is prohibited due to the narrowness of the lower portion 83 of the guide light 8 and the lower portion 72 of the locking light 7. Furthermore, in the event of a vertical impact applied to the structure 1, the locking finger 51 can move vertically only in the light locking 7, which prevents any accidental unlocking of the guardrail 3. Operator safety is guaranteed. It should be noted that security is achieved as soon as the locking finger 51 is in the upper portion 71 of the locking slot 7. It is not necessary for the latter to be in its lower portion 72. The lower portion 72 allows improve locking stability.

Thanks to the invention, the locking of a guardrail 3 of a structure 1 is carried out reliably. Any accidental unlocking (by human error, by contact with an obstacle during the installation of the structure on the facade or during contact with the structure by a load moved by a crane, etc.) can be eliminated in order to guarantee ensuring the safety of operators in all circumstances.

Claims (10)

Foldable cantilevered work structure (1) intended to be mounted on a vertical construction wall and to support a formwork panel, the structure (1) comprising a circulation plate (2), extending in a horizontal plane and at at least one guardrail (3) movable relative to the circulation platform (2), the structure (1) comprising at least one blocking member (5) comprising a longitudinal body (50) mounted movable in translation along a blocking axis (Zb) relative to the guardrail (3) between a low position in which the blocking member (5) extends in a housing (6) of the circulation plate (2) and a high position in which the blocking member (5) is located outside the housing (6), structure characterized by the fact that

• The locking member (5) comprises, at its lower end, a locking finger (51) having a radial reference length (D0) defined relative to the locking axis (Zb),
• The housing (6) comprises a peripheral wall (60) extending along the blocking axis (Zb), the peripheral wall (60) having a cross section whose distance relative to the blocking axis (Zb) is angularly variable around said blocking axis (Zb),
• at least a first distance (D1) being less than the reference radial length (D0) for a first angular position (θ1),
• at least a second distance (D2) being greater than the reference radial length (D0) for a second angular position (θ2),
• the peripheral wall (60) comprising an upper opening (61) and at least one locking slot (7) spaced from the upper opening (61) by a solid peripheral portion (62), the locking slot (7) being formed in the peripheral wall (60) at least at the first angular position (θ1) so as to receive the locking finger (51) and prevent its removal by vertical translation.

Structure according to claim 1, in which, the peripheral wall (60) of the housing (6) comprising a rectangular section defining four flat faces and four corners, the blocking axis (Zb) passing through the center of the rectangle, the first distance ( D1) corresponds to the orthogonal distance between the blocking axis (Zb) and a plane face, the second distance (D2) corresponds to the distance between the blocking axis (Zb) and a corner of the rectangle. Structure according to claim 2, in which the peripheral wall (60) of the housing (6) has a square section. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the locking light (7) extends at least between a point of the peripheral wall (60) located at the second distance (D2) up to a point of the peripheral wall (60) located at the first distance (D1). Structure according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the locking slot (7) has a T shape. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the guardrail (3) comprises a guide (30) in which the blocking member (5) is movably mounted, the blocking member (5) comprising a control lever (52) allowing its movement and orientation, the guide (30) comprising a guide light (8) from which the control lever (52) is accessible. Structure according to claim 6, in which the guide light (8) has, at its lower end, a shape similar to that of the locking light (7). Structure according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the circulation plate (2) comprises a plurality of similar housings (6) for receiving the blocking member (5). Structure according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the locking finger (51) comprises a kinematics comprising at least a first angular rotation, a vertical translation and a second angular rotation in a direction opposite to the first angular rotation. Method of locking a guardrail (3) of a structure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, the locking finger (51) being oriented according to the second angular position (θ2), the method comprising steps consisting of:

• Move (E4) vertically the locking finger (51) in the housing (6) up to the locking light (7), and
• Orient (E5) the locking finger (51) according to the first angular position (θ1) in the locking slot (7) so as to prevent its removal by vertical translation.